FABER, Edith Attwater

SisterAANS2nd Australian General Hospital

Born 1883 in Bourke, NSWDaughter of Frank Grey FABER and Rebecca Janet nee ATTWATEREnlisted 24 November 1914 at Sydney, NSWAged 31 yearsEmbarked 28 November 1914 per 'Kyarra'Served on 'Ulysses', 'Malwa' and 'Grantully Castle'Returned to Australia 05 July 1917 per 'Miltiades'Appointment terminated 04 April 1918Married Herbert Stuart HILL in 1919 in Hong KongResided 29 The Peak, Hong Kong, China (1935)Edith and her husband were incarcerated in the Stanley Internment Camp after the Japanese attacked Hong Kong. Edith died 1974www.awm.gov.auP10636.011.002

A PARAAMATTA NURSE AT THE WAR.' 'I SHALL NEVER FORGET THE SIGHTS.'

Sister Faber (whose home is at Merrylands) writes a thrilling account from the Alexandria Hospital, where she is nursing Australian, wounded soldiers: —'I haven't a moment to write, so will you send this on to mother and the others. 'We are just as busy as we wore last week. My arms are aching so much that I can scarcely hold a pen. I am now at the Military Hospital, Alexandria. One of the Army Sisters had to go back to England, so I have been appointed in her place, taking charge of the surgical ward. We are very busy, scarcely having time for a couple of hours' rest out of the 24. A hospital ship fitted with 300 beds arrives hero twice a week from the Dardanelles with a full complement of wounded. The last ship had a very trying experience. When the wounded soldiers were being rowed across from the shore tothe vessel (only a short distance) they were fired on by the Turks, killing a number of the doctors, ambulance and first aid men. The shrapnel from the bombs fell upon the ship like hail, and some of the seamen were killed.' A great number of the men who are slightly wounded have been sent to England. They went last Tuesday or Wednesday. I have the worst cases in my ward. Some of them are dreadful (I have the big surgical ward) and only have four orderlies to help me. 'I can't toll you much about the battles, as our letters are censored, but we have lost heavily.

'Our men were cut down almost to a man.'

'About the Light Horse. I saw Colonel Cox. They are giving up their horses and going as Infantry. They have as soon as over they are equipped, probably tomorrow night. 'I do wish the war would end. Forty died on the Hospital Ship, just bringing them from the Dardanelles here, and it only takes two days. I shall never forgot the time we are having, or the sights I have seen. I can't realise we are so near the thick of it. 'We are expecting more wounded in every minute, but if they send many really, I do not know where we are going to put them. ' It is pitiful to, see the poor unfortunate men being carried in with their limbs shattered. The shrapnel wounds are the worst to contend with. The Countess Carnarvon came round the Hospital this afternoon and spoke to a few of the patients. ' I told the patients beforehand that the Countess was coming, and one man got excited and said, 'Sister, I have never soon a countess before; What are they like?' I'm sorry I could not take her over to speak to him, as he was asleep when she came. 'Well I must do some work. There are crowds waiting for me, and I really do not know what to do first. It is hopeless to try and do everything one would like.'

Mr. H. S. Hills, who married Sister Edith Faber some two years ago, is on a visit to Parramatta from Hong Kong. where he has large business interests. He was never in Australia before and was much struck with Sydney and the Parramatta district. He met Sister Faber (who is a sister of Mrs. P. H. Robilliard while on service in the war at Salonica.

Sister Faber, of Merrylands, writes from Alexandria Hospital, blending tragedy and humor in a graphic account of the first wounded coming in from the Dardanelles. "A hospital ship with 300 beds arrives here twice a week . . . I shall never forget the time we are having, or the sights I have seen - two hours rest in 24 . . I do wish the war would end, "are bits and pieces from her letter. Telling how the Countess of Carnairvon visited her ward, she says: "One man got very excited and said, 'Sister, I have never seen a real Countess before; what are they like?' "I'm sorry I could not take her over to see him, as he was asleep when she came."

FADDY, Gertrude Helena

Born 1882 in Wingham, NSWDaughter of Dr. William FADDY and Harriet Ruth nee JOHNSONShe was matron of Levuka Hospital. She died 14 June 1943 in Suva, Fiji.

Two Decorations for War Service

Private M Currey, V.C. and Sister G Faddy (Royal Red Cross) presented with their decorations by the Governor-General last week.

Sunday Times Sunday 12 October 1919 page 18

Awarded Royal Red Cross

FAHEY, Elsie Lena

Staff NurseAANS

Born 1891 in Horsham, Vic.Daughter of Stephen Andrew FAHEY and Johanna nee FAHEYOf 32 Wood Street, Preston, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment Trained NurseEnlisted 27 April 1917Aged 26 yearsEmbarked 09 May 1917 per 'Ulysses' from Sydney, NSWServed in England and FranceReturned to Australia 01 August 1919 per 'Ormonde'Appointment terminated 08 June 1919She arrived in New York in 1930 and was naturalized there in 1935. She died in New York, USA in 1965.

FAIRLAND, Claribel (Clare)

NurseQueen Alexandria's Imperial Military Nursing Service

Born 06 February 1887 in QueenslandDaughter of William Miller FAIRLAND and Elizabeth nee ADNAMTrained at Sydney HospitalEmbarked for England in 1914 at her own expense to join the British Nursing ServiceSent to France October 1914Served at Rennes with British Red Cross before joining the QAIMNSRStationed at Humpstead England December 1915Embarked for Australia 15 November 1919 per 'Ormonde' for NSWDied 22 January 1929 at her residence Rigola, Hunters Hill, NSWBuried Waverley Cemetery

Nurses Fairland and Sutcliffe, who were trained at Sydney Hospital, left by the Morea on Saturday last for London. They intend to assist in nursing the wounded at the London hospitals or go to the front. They are proceeding to London at their own expense. Nurse Fairland is a daughter of Mr. W. M. Fairland, secretary of the Sydney School of Arts.

The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 08 September 1914 page 6

AMONGST THE WOUNDEDAUSTRALIAN NURSE'S EXPERIENCES.

'Nurse Fairland,- late of Sydney Hospital, and now engaged at a London hospital, has many striking incidentsto relate of her experiences amongst the wounded. She says that 'with some of the wounded who are brought in it was next to impossible to wake them up during the night, and the day following their admission, and others found it hard to sleep in beds after being accustomed to ground and bushes. Only two days ago we got in a convoy of 23 Australians from the Dardanelles, 11 of the convoy being admitted to my ward. These men have been in hospital in Malta, but are awfully pleased to be in England. Some of them are such fine big men, real Cornstalks. They are, in a way, more different to the English Tommies, certainly more lively, but well behaved. When I went on duty after their arrival I paid a visit to everyone of them. They were pleased to see me and shook hands, and while telling me their experiences, mentioned that the Turks are good, hard fighters, and there are many women snipers amongst them. The men say they think that when the fighting is proceeding, the Tommies say their prayer and believe in God and the future life more than they ever have done before. It comes to them instinctively.

The North Western Advocate and Emu Bay Times Saturday 4 December 1915 page 7

MISS CLARE FAIRLAND

Miss Clare Fairland, who served as a nursing sister during the war, died recently at Mosman. Miss Fairland was trained at Sydney Hospital, and at the declaration of war offered her services to the Commonwealth authorities. As no definite arrangement had at the time been made for nurses she decided to proceed to London at her own expense. On arrival in England she joined up with the British Red Cross, and was accepted as a nurse. She performed war service until 1919, and since her return to Australia in January 1920, had been engaged in nursing. Since 1924 she had been associated with the Board of Health as a sister in the baby welfare branch, and had been stationed at various centres in the State. She was the third daughter of the late Mr W.M. Fairland, for many years secretary of the Sydney School of Arts.The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 30 January 1929

FALKLAND, Bertha Mercy Beryl

Staff NurseAANS

Born 12 September 1893 at Cashmir, IndiaDaughter of Captain Lancelot FALKLAND and Kathleen nee McNAMARAOf 'Hazeldine' Latrobe, TasmaniaOccupation prior to enlistment Trained NurseEnlisted 12 September 1917 at Launceston, TasAged 24 yearsEmbarked 25 September 1917 per 'Kanowna'Served on Hospital Ship 'Kanowna'Returned to Australia 07 March 1919 per 'Kanowna'Appointment terminated 04 May 1919Did not marryDied 1974 in Qld.

Sister Bertha Falkland, of Latrobe, and Sister Iles, of Hobart, left Melbourne for Sydney last Saturday for the purpose of joining their hospital ship. They were stationed at the Launceston Base Hospital for a while, and were delighted to be called away sooner than was expected. Prior to their departure from Melbourne they were entertained at dinner by Mrs. Stewart and her sister (Mrs. Gourlay), of Brunswick. The party included Dr. Douglas Stewart and his nephew, Dr. Allan Stewart, a son of Dr. W. A. Stewart, of Latrobe.

FAREY

Sister

Photograph taken c1914 in Sydney, NSW

FARQUHAR, Annie Georgina Gordon (Jessie)

SisterAANS

Born Southsea, EnglandDaughter of William Gordon FARQUHAR and Margaret Wallace nee ROBERTSONOf "Woongarra", 8 Boyle St, Watersleigh, Mosman, NSWAged 32 years Enlisted 07 November 1914 Embarked 28 November 1914 at Sydney per “Kyarra” Service in Egypt and France Promoted Sister 01 February 1915 Appendix removed 04 July 1917 Returned to Australia 30 January 1918 per ”Euripides” Re-embarked 16 October 1918 per “Malta” Service in India Returned to Australia 10 January 1920 per “Matram” Appointment Terminated 10 March 1920 Repatriation contact 24 April 1961Did not marryDied 1977 in NSW

Her brother Mure Robertson Farquhar was killed in action at Gallipoli 22 August 1915. Her other brother Major William Gordon Farquhar was Mentioned in Despatches twice and he also was awarded Distinguished Service Order during WW1.

FARRELL, Gertrude

Staff NurseAANS

Born St. Kilda, Vic.Daughter of Malachi FARRELL and Eleanor Ellen nee McNAMARAOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 26 June 1918 at Melbourne, Vic.Aged 25 yearsEmbarked 16 October 1918 per 'Malta'Served in IndiaReturned to Australia 30 August 1919 per 'Pilana'Appointment terminated 22 January 1920Died 30 January 1937 at Prince Henry's Hospital, MelbourneCremated 01 February 1937 Springvale Botanical Cemetery and remains scattered

DEATH OF NURSE STRUCK BY VICE-REGAL CARMELBOURNE, SundayMiss Gertrude Farrell (44), a nurse, of Domain St., South Yarra, died on Saturday morning in Prince Henry's Hospital. Miss Farrell was injured in St. Kilda-road late on Friday night by a vice-regal car driven by Captain Thomas Roger Wilbraham, A.D.C. to the Governor (Lord Huntingfield).

Examiner Launceston Monday 1 February 1937 page 7

Miss Farrell was admitted to Prince Henry s Hospital suffering from a fracture of the leg Internal injuries and lacerations to the head. Captain Wilbraham was driving along the centre track. Only the cars of the Crown and commercial vehicles are allowed to travel on this track. As Captain Wilbraham was travelling south the car struck Miss Farrell, who was crossing the road. She was taken to Prince Henry's Hospital in a civil ambulance and Captain Wilbraham informed the police of the circumstances of the accident.

FARRELL, Mary Ann

SisterAANSNo 3 Australian General Hosptial

Born Yarra Glen, Vic.Daughter of William Cavanagh FARRELL and Margaret Bridget nee HEARNEOccupation prior to enlistment Trained NurseEnlisted 04 August 1915Aged 30 yearsEmbarked 04 August 1915 per 'Orontes'Served in England and FranceReturned to Australia 15 February 1918 per 'Llanstephen Castle'Re-enlisted 02 July 1918Embarked 16 October 1918 per 'Malta' for BombayReturned to Australia 11 January 1920 per 'Janus'Appointment terminated 02 August 1920Did not marryDied 17 March 1963 in Fitzroy, Vic.Resided Kew, Vic.

FARRINGDON

Nurse Farringdon (who has received the Royal Red Cross from the King) being cheered by her soldier patients.

The Australasian Saturday 02 September 1916 page 55

FARRINGTON, Grace Mabel

Probationary NurseAANSNo 2 Australian Hospital Ship

Born 1887 in Auckland, New ZealandDaughter of William FARRINGTON and Alexandra nee HOWELLOf 29 Harrington Street, Hobart, Tas.Occupation prior to enlistment Domestic DutiesEnlisted 18 December 1915Aged 27 yearsEmbarked 22 December 1915 per 'Kanowna'Served on A61 'Kanowna'Returned to AustraliaAppointment terminated 01 April 1916 at Melbourne No 2 Hospital ShipDid not marryDied 15 April 1965 in NSWResided Strathfield, NSW

FAULKNER, Amy Louise

Staff NurseAANS

Born 1880 in Horsham, Surrey, EnglandDaughter of William FAULKNER and Fanny nee ELDERFIELDOf Mary Street, Beecroft, NSWarrived in Australia with her family in 1882Occupation prior to enlistment NursingEnlisted 16 June 1915Aged 35 yearsEmbarked 13 August 1916 per 'Kanowna'Served in FranceReturned to Australia 29 Feburary 1920 per 'Cape Verde'Appointment terminated 29 April 1920Did not marryDied 19 February 1964 in North Sydney, NSW​Late of Wollstonecraft, NSW

Nurse Amy Faulkner, writing to her mother at Beecroft, says: I have three wards, with two orderlies to assist, at night, and as soon as I come on I go round to each patient (46 in each ward), and have a word, and some nights I get enough funny little sayings and happenings to keep me from brooding all through the night. You would never guess that the laughing, cheeky face belongs to the same body as that horrible mutilated, painful leg which the bed clothes hid. I hadn't the faintest idea what a noble, grand lot of men the real Australians are, only having rubbed up against townies and immigrants, but the bushmen are wonderful, as honest and upright as the day. Even the backblockers, whose grammar is like 'Dads' in Steele Rudd's books, are splendid, when you know them, as we do. They say, 'Fine,' 'Not too bad,' 'Bonser,' when we say, 'How are you tonight,' and the poor kids never let on how ill or dreadfully wounded they are. My word, you would love them as we sisters do, if you knew how cheerfully and good-naturedly they face miseries and fatigues and sickness, and most of them, boys, who have not been used to it, and who came out thinking only of the excitement and danger, and not of the long, weary, fatiguing, misery that war really is. They do not even think they are heroes and martyrs, of their country. They joke about ' ghastly things, and make us laugh, but all the time it is to prevent ourselves letting them see how pathetic we find it.'

FAULKNER, Edith Emily

Staff NurseAANS

Born 26 December 1881 at Watervale, SADaughter of Benjamin FAULKNER and Mary Ann nee NORRISOf 134 Hutt Street, Adelaide, SAOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 22 November 1916 at Keswick, SAAged 34 yearsEmbarked 29 December 1916 per 'Themistocles'Served in FranceAppointment terminated 26 December 1918 in London due to marriageMarried Captain Terence Edward O'DOHERTY in London 26 December 1918She lived in Malaya for a few years after the war before returning to Australia. She died 16 February 1935 in QueenslandCremated Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and remains collected

No other women in Australia could be more envious of the nurses who are going overseas with the Australian forces than thirty-two busy, cheerful women at Randwick Military Hospital.

All of them, including the matron and sub-matron, were war nurses during the last war, and many of them have been tending the illnesses and injuries of soldiers ever since.

Many of them served in advanced hospitals near the battlefront and know at first hand the horrors and heart-breaks of war, but all of them say, "We'd love to be going again."

All of them are extremely reticent about their experiences. "It was all part of our job," they say,"we don't want to talk about it."

Sister S. Faulkner, in charge of the surgical ward, served in France, and has been looking after soldiers ever since 1918.

As well as members of the old A.I.F., these nurses are also looking after members of the new AIF., the Air Force, and the Navy.

"They're much the same as their fathers and uncles," said Matron Hart. "They're all very good kids, and on the whole are very well behaved patients.

"This is a very happy place. So many of ourselves and our patients have been here for a long time, and we are like a friendly family. Our old patients are so cheerful that they are a lesson to us in patience and good spirits."

FAUX, Eva

Staff NurseAANS

Born 1884 IN Warwick West, Lubick, VicDaughter of George FAUX and Mary Jane nee GREER Sister to Mr. W. J. FAUX Address “Rinesdale”, Lubick, Vic Training 3 years Austin Hospital, Vic Age 28 years Enlisted 15 June 1917 Embarked 30 June 1917 per “Somali” in Melbourne Service in Bombay Returned to Australia per “Eastern” 13 April 1919 - as invalid Appointment Terminated 17 July 1916Married John BALLANTYNE 08 September 1925 in North Perth, WAShe and her husband John were accidentally killed in a car accident 21 September 1952.Buried Karrakatta Cemetery Presbyterian KA 0554- site expired

Couple Die In Crash On Road To Carnarvon

GERALDTON. Sun.-- On a lonely stretch of the road to Carnarvon, about 75 miles north of Northampton, an elderly Perth couple were killed in a motor accident this morning.They were John Ballantyne (64). and Eva Ballantyne (59) of Royal-street, Tuart Hill, who with their son, John Lindsay Ballantyne (25). were travelling south in their car. It is believed that the car struck a patch of loose sand, got out of control and turned over. The accident was discovered by a haulage contractor Mr. Frank Porter of Northampton who was going to Carnarvon. Shortly afterwards a taxi driver arrived at the scene and brought the son to Northampton Hospital. He is suffering from an injury to the pelvis and as there is no doctor in Northampton he will be brought to Geraldton tomorrow. Constable W. O'Hern of Northampton, left that town at 5 p.m. for the scene of the accident to make investigations and brought the bodies of Mr.and Mrs. Ballantyne to the mortuary at the Victoria District Hospital shortly before midnight.

The West Australian Monday 22 September 1952 page 1Condition Of Crash Victim Satisfactory

GERALDTON, Tues.-The condition of John Lindsay Ballantyne (25), of Royal street, Tuart Hill, who suffered abrasions, contusions and shock when a car in which he was travelling overturned last Sunday about 75 miles north of Northampton, was said tonight to be satisfactory. He was taken yesterday from the Northampton Hospital to the Victoria District Hospital, Geraldton. Today he was transferred to another hospital in the town. A post-mortem examination has revealed that his parents John Ballantyne (64) and Eva Ballantyne (59) who were killed in the accident, had died from extensive head injuries. An inquest will be held.

The West Australian Wednesday 24 September 1952 page 9

FEATHER

Sister

Photograph taken c1914 in Sydney NSW

FEGAN, Catherine Agnes (Katie)

SisterAANSNo 1 Australian General Hospital3rd Australian General Hosptial

Born Catherine Agnes FEGAN at East Melbourne, Vic.Daughter of John FEGAN and Mary Ann nee STONEOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 12 August 1915Aged 25 yearsEmbarked 24 August 1915Served in England and FranceReturned to Australia 20 February 1920 per 'Megnatic'Appointment terminated 22 August 1920Did not marryDied 14 July 1951 at St. Vincent's Hospital​Resided St. Kilda, Vic.Buried Melbourne General Cemetery, CarltonPunch Thursday 02 December 1915 page 20

Another Kyneton Nurse for Active Service.Miss Katie Fegan, who for some years was on the staff of the Kyneton Convent and latterly has under gone training as a nurse at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, has volunteered and has been accepted, for service abroad. Miss Fegan has won a high reputation as a nurse of more than average ability and skill.

Sister Dorothy Feneley, of West Matiland, returned to Sydney by the Delta, and was released from quarantine on Saturday, after putting in ten days at North Head. She was a trainee of St. Vincent's Hospital, where she was theatre sister before enlisting in 1917 for military service. For almost two years she has been in Salonika, attached to the 59th General Hospital, No 2 Unit, an English hospital staffed from New South Wales, with Matron Beryl Campbell in nursing command. Whilst on duty, Sister Feneley met many well known Australians, among them Sergeant Olive Kelso King, whose work for the Serbs has been stupendous, and who was at the time visiting her friend, Sister Duffy, at the hospital mess. The Greeks, Sister Feneley says, are wonderful sufferers, and endure pain with stored patience, and the way in which they fought in the big 'stint' just before the signing of the armistice made up for any previous indetermination on their part. Salonika itself, she says, is a quaint old place, the streets paved with cobble-stones, and stalls punctuating the highways, in addition to the big bazaar. Old Olympus, in the distance, covered with eternal snow, makes the Greek gods seem near and more than mythical, and from the top of Kolos Gallipoli could be seen in the distance. Home colours appear monotonous after the exuberance of brilliance in the fields, surrounding the town. Nothing could describe the hue of the sky nor the changing tints of the sea, where the bathing was one of the joys of existence. In the early mornings the nurses would go into the fields and return with arm loads of poppies and cornflowers, and the brilliant blooms of the native enetus. In spite of the frequent vunrah, the terrible wind which made life a misery for the three days it lasted, the hard conditions, strenuous work, and the few pleasures available, the nursing staff of the 50th spent the time happily enough - they were famous for unity and good fellowship. Salonika, like the rest of the world, went mad when the armistice was signed. The cosmopolitan population crowded the streets, singing its many native songs, and using tin cans as instruments. Every 'Tin Lizzie' and lorry in the place was requisitioned and for a while pandemonium reigned. Sister Feneley came home via 'Blighty'. She travelled by 'rapide'. En-route she spent a short time in Rome and Paris, and was a month in London before embarking on the Delta for Australia. She is a daughter of Mrs. A.J.Lindsay and the late P Feneley of Maitland. Two of her brothers, Cecil and Paul, enlisted with the A.I.F. the former who was killed in France last year, just after passing his final law examinations. Paul is still on service. Mr. Lindsay is also at the front.

The Maitland Daily Mercury Thursday 27 March 1919 page 7

FERGUSON, Agnes Helena May

SisterBritish India ServiceAANS

Born 1880 in Fitzroy, Vic.Daughter of John FERGUSON and Helena/Eleanor nee NEWSONOf 'Glen Lisa' Waverley Street, Essendon, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment Trained NurseEnlisted 23 August 1915 Aged 36 yearsEmbarked 26 December 1916 per 'Mooltan'Served in BombayAfter being posted to Bombay in 1917 she was appointed Sister in Charge of the British Army Hospital in Maymyo, Burma where she stayed until 1919. She then went on leave to the UK and finally returned home in 1920. She always regretted not being sent to the Western front. She received an Honorary Mention for her role in India during the War (London Gazette) and was the only woman to be mentioned in the Indian awards. Returned to Australia per 12 May 1920 per 'Zealndia'Discharged as medically unfit 30 April 1921Did not marryDied 17 January 1961at Heidelberg, Vic.

FERGUSON, Minnie Rose

SisterAANS

Born Amelia Rose FERGUSON in 1881 in Tenterfield, NSWDaughter of James FERGUSON and Rosina Francesca nee LEISOf Marwal, via Wallangarra, NSWOccupation prior to enlistment Trained NurseEnlisted 17 August 1916Aged 35 yearsEmbarked 09 December 1916 per 'Kaiser-I-Hind'Served in SalonkiaReturned to Australia 24 October 1919 per 'Euripides'Appointment terminated 08 December 1919Married George SMITH in 1920Died 1965 in Penrith, NSW

UNDER FIREAustralian Nurse's ExperienceTHE EARLY DAYS OF THE WAR

Nurse, Ferguson, who returned from England by the Euripides, has the unique distinction of being the first Australian nurse to take up active duty in France. She is also the first Australian nurse to have got within coo-ee of the firing line and the front line trenches. When war broke out Nurse Ferguson went straight to Melbourne, and then on to England, where she joined the Duchess of Sutherland's ambulance a few weeks after her arrival. The ambulance was started in a cafe in Dunkirk in October, 1914, and was practically staffed with voluntary helpers, though, of course, it was under the French Government. Shortly after they had installed themselves the enemy started to bombard the city with his biggest guns, and bombs dropped by Taubes.They had become so used to the boom of guns and bombs that one day, when they heard an unfamiliar screeching noise through the air, followed by another and another in quick succession, the workers at the ambulance actually left off work for a few minutes to enquire what these noises meant. They were told they were shells. Nurse Ferguson says that just at the very first there were one or two who were inclined to be frightened as the screeching shells flew around the city, spreading death and destruction in their wake. 'But,' she added, with a puzzled look, 'I really can't tell you what my own sensations were at the time.

There was so much work to be done that all my wits were taken up devising means and ways of getting it done. When you have work to do that carries you on for twenty, and even thirty-six, hours at a stretch, you haven't got much time to worry over shells, you know. These same shells did a frightful amount of damage, and caused a great number of deaths in Dunkirk, but, of course, the papers were never allowed to publish accounts about them.

Whole terraces of houses would be destroyed by one shell, and on one occasions the Germans sent a shell which struck the local hospital completely destroying it and killing or disabling all who were in it. Seven nuns were amongst those who perished. I just missed being hit by one. I was going to the station in the ambulance one day, when a shell struck the ground just at the back of our car. If it had fallen a few inches to the front I shouldn't be here now.' 'And weren't you frightened then ?' 'Oh, no,' responded Nurse Ferguson, unconcernedly. 'You see, it didn't hurt me I only got a little untidy from the mud it splashed up from the road. 'Towards the end of 1915 the bombardment became so fierce that the people began to leave the town, and it was thought advisable for the Ambulance to be moved also. The Duchess of Sutherland set to work and secured the offer of a field of oats in which to pitch hospital tents. This field belonged to a wealthy man, and adjoined his house, which was situated a few miles from Dunkirk, and within about 17 miles of the firing line. The Duchess of Sutherland and her band of workers accordingly pitched their tents here and renewed their activities. They could accommodate about 200 in all, and during the time Nurse Ferguson was with them they nursed English, Belgian, French and Canadian soldiers. Nurse Ferguson was particularly fond of the French.

FERRIER, Elizabeth Maria Beatrice

SisterAANSNo 3 Australian General Hospital

Born 1880 in Carapook, Vic.Daughter of John FERRIER and Alice Jane nee HANLONOf Portland, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 05 May 1915Aged 35 yearsEmbarked 18 May 1915Served in FranceReturned to Australia 22 April 1919 per 'Derbyshire'Appointment terminated 06 July 1919Did not marryDied 13 August 1970 in Vic.​Resided Heathcote, Vic.

www.awm.gov.auP03088.001

FERRIER, Mary Middlemiss

Staff NurseAANS

Born 09 April 1888 at Casterton, VicDaughter of John FERRIER and Alicia Jane nee HANLONAddress Portland, VicTraining 3 years Prince Alfred Hospital, MelbourneAge 29 yearsEnlisted 15 November 1917Embarked 07 March 1918 per “Ormonde” in MelbourneService in IndiaResigned Appointment 13 April 1919 due to MarriageMarried James William NORRISReturned Australia per “Gorgon” 14 March 1920 Died 25 January 1984 in Hamilton, Vic.​Aged 95 years

FERRY, Mary Franceska

Staff NurseAANS

Born 09 June 1889 at Caltowie, SADaughter of John Hogben FERRY and Caroline Lovey nee SIEKMANNOf Moonta, SAOccupation prior to enlistment Nurse at Children's Hospital, AdelaideEnlisted 27 April, 1917 at Keswick, SAAged 27 yearsEmbarked 12 June 1917 per 'Mooltan' from Melbourne, Vic.Served in SolonikaReturned to Australia 27 January 1919 per 'Wiltshire'Appointment terminated 26 April 1919Married Laurance POLLOCK 14 February 1925 at St. Andrews Church, Mannum, SADied c 07 June 1971

FIELD, Gwladys Parker

SisterAANS1st Australian General Hospital

Born 1890 in Caulfield, Vic.Daughter of William Graham FIELD and Emily Sarah nee LAVEROf 'Hillside' Arnold Street, Bendigo, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment Nurse at Bendigo HospitalEnlisted 03 November 1914Aged 25 yearsEmbarked 05 December 1914Served in FranceReturned to Australia 02 March 1919 per 'Demosthenes'Appointment terminated 03 May 1919Did not marryDied 23 November 1970 in St. Kilda, Vic.​Resided East St. Kilda, Vic.Cremated 25 November 1970 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery Cassia Wall ZE Niche 180

Punch Thursday 03 December 1914 page 26

Miss Gwladys Field, formerly of the Bendigo Hospital, who left Bendigo in December, 1914, as an Australian army staff nurse, had been gazetted an Australian army sister. She is now at Queen Mary's Military Hospital. Whalley, Lancashire, England.

Enrolling nurses for service with A.I.F. and Home Forces

THE Job of enrolling the hundreds of Victorian nurses for service with the A.IF. and Commonwealth Home Defence Forces is in the capable hands of Miss G.P. Field, Principal Matron of the Australian Army Nursing Service (Southern Command).

Matron Field served with the A.I.F. in the last war. She was one of 160 army nurses who went with the first contingent in 1914, and was attached to the 1st Australian General Hospital. She served in Egypt, England and France, returning to Australia in 1919. Until called up by the Army, Miss Field was matron of the Macleod Repatriation Sanatorium at Mont Park.

The Australian Women's Weekly Saturday 06 April 1940 page 39

Matron of two wars retires

MISS GLADYS FIELD, who served in both World Wars, was bidden farewell by a group of her colleagues from all States on her retirement this week as Headquarters Matron, Repatriation Commission.

The party was held at Repatriation Headquarters, Melbourne.

Miss Field did her nursing training at Bendigo Gold District General Hospital and later sailed in the first Australian hospital ship, the Kyarra, for Egypt.

During World War I she served with the First General Hospital in Egypt, England, and France, and during World War II was principal matron for the Army in Victoria for three and a half years.

After the last war she returned to the Repatriation Department as matron of "Rosemount" Repatriation General Hospital, in Brisbane, and later was transferred to the Prince of Wales Repatriation General Hospital, in Sydney.

The Argus Friday 06 October 1950 page 9

FIELDING, Marie Ruth

SisterAANS3rd Australian General Hospital

Born c1886 in Watchem, Vic.Daughter of Samuel William FIELDING and Mary Adeline nee CLARKOf Watchem, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 15 May 1915 in West AustraliaAged 28 yearsEmbarked 24 May 1915Served in Egypt and FranceReturned to Australia 04 September 1919 per 'Orsova'Appointment terminated 06 January 1920Married Charles Thomas YOUNGDied 15 October 1973 in Vic.​Resided Parkville, Vic.

Awarded Royal Red Cross (2nd Class)Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 23 May 1919Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 889, position 34Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1919Location in London Gazette: Page 33, position 4'In recognition of her valuable services with the armies in France and Flanders.'​"For consistent good work at at C.C.S. during active operations."

FILLANS, Wilhelmina (Mina)

SisterAANS

Born 1884 in Paisley, ScotlandDaughter of sculptor James Davidson Fallins and Matilda nee McCutheonEnlisted 24 November 1914Embarked 28 November 1914 per 'Kyana'Served in France and EnglandReturned to Australia 25 May 1919 per 'Benalla'Appointment terminated 27 October 1919Married John SWANTON in Ashfield, NSW in 1919Resided 6 Victoria Street, Arncliffe NSWDied 01 September 1966 in Arncliffe, NSW​Late of Arncliffe, NSW

FINCH, Jessie

Staff NurseAANS7th General Hospital

Born 1888 at Taringa, Qld.Daughter of John FINCH and Mary nee PHILLIPSOf Stanley Terrace, Taringa, QldOccupation prior to enlistment NursingEnlisted 08 December 1916Aged 28 yearsEmbarked 29 December 1916 per 'Themistocles'Served in FranceReturned to Australia 13 April 1919 per 'Balmoral Castle'Appointment terminated 08 July 1919Married William MORRISON in 1931 in Qld.Died 1961 in Qld.Aged 73 yearsBuried 06 November 1961 at Toowong Cemetery 8-23-13/14

FINCHAM, Isabel Edith

Born Isabella Edith FINCHAM 1886 in Carlton, Vic.Daughter of Randall George FINCHAM and Annie nee WATSONOf 74 Glenferrie Road, Kew, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseServed with QAIMNSR Appointed 09 June 1915 - current address given as Derandell Wandi Grove, East St. Kilda, Melbourne, Vic.NOK listed as (uncle) Chalres A FINCHAM of 'Chooda, East St. Kilda, Melbourne, Vic.Rate of pay £40 per annumServed at No 7 General Hospital 09 June 1915 - 09 November 1915Transferred to No 4 General HospitalSuffered Appendicitis 23 June 1916Appointment terminated 08 June 1916 - resignation on completion of contract.Second Class Passage to Melbourne providedEnlisted 19 March 1917 with AANSAged 31 yearsEmbarked 21 March 1917 per 'Kanowna'Served in EnglandReturned to Australia 11 September 1917 per 'Kanowna'Appointment terminated 16 July 1919 as medically unfitMarried Frederick Leopold BONNEYHer only child Charles died in 1935 aged 13 yearsIsabel died 12 July 1956 in Queensland.

FINLAY, Mary McKenzie

MatronAANS1st Australian General Hospital

Born at Kilmore 28 January 1870Daughter of George FINLAYOf 73 William Road, Windsor, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseTrained at the Melbourne HospitalEnlisted 11 October 1914 at Melbourne, Vic.Aged 49 yearsEmbarked 20 October 1914 per 'Shropshire'Served in Egypt until 30 March 1916 then proceeded to FranceReturned to Australia 01 April 1919 per 'Novgorod'Appointment terminated 27 July 1919 as medically unfit with Debility - Injury to Breast and tumorDied 21 March 1923​Resided South Yarra, Vic.Buried in St Kilda cemetery

Awarded Royal Red Cross (1st Class)Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1390, position 80Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1917Location in London Gazette: Page 47, position 1'In recognition of valuable services with the Armies in the Field'

Nurses O'Dwyer, Phillips and Matron Finlay, all of whom have been awarded the Royal Red Cross

Another Victorian military nurse has secured a Royal Red Cross (1st class). Matron M. Finlay, whose namefigures in the New Year honour list, was one of the first band of six Victorian nurses to leave on active service. Three of them have gained the (Royal Red Cross (1st class):-Miss DE. A. Conyers, Mrs J. M. Hardie White,and Miss Finlay.At the time Miss Finlay offered her self for service she was matron of the Church of England Boys' Grammar School. At first she was attached to No. 1 Australian General Hospital in Egypt, and later was matron of the convalescent home at Ras-el-tin. She was given her big opportunity in France, when she organised, under the most primitive conditions, a military hospital near Rouen. That is where she is now. Her hospital is staffed principally by Victorian nurses. Probably the distinction has been conferred upon her because of the capable manner in which she has taken charge of affairs at this centre".' Miss Finlay is a trainee of the MelbourneHospital, where she had charge for many years of that notable surgical ward No. 22. Some years ago a bandaging competition was organised in Melbourne, and Miss Finlay beat all competitors by her deftness.

WEEKLY TIMES Saturday 6 January 1917 page 13NURSE GAINS DISTINCTION

Mary McKenzie Finlay (1870-1923), matron, was born on 28 January 1870 at Kilmore, Victoria, eldest child of James Finlay, station manager and later land valuer, from Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland, and his native-born wife Elizabeth, née Hill. Mary and her eleven brothers and sisters spent their childhood on a pastoral property at Towaninnie in north-western Victoria and were educated by a governess. In 1890 the family moved to Melbourne.On 16 December 1896 Mary Finlay began training as a nurse at the (Royal) Melbourne Hospital and completed her certificate on 16 February 1900. She remained at the hospital as sister-in-charge of surgical ward 22 until she completed her matron's certificate of technical fitness in December 1907 and accepted the position of matron at the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. As hospital sister and school matron she was regarded as a first-class nurse who was much loved by her patients and noted for her kindness, devotion and perennial good temper. At the Exhibition of Australian Women's Work held in Melbourne in October 1907, she was awarded the essay-prize for surgical nursing.

Discovering Anzacs courtesy of malco647

Mary Finlay had been among the first enlistments in the Australian Army Nursing Service in 1904. When war began in 1914 she volunteered for overseas service with the A.A.N.S.; joining the Australian Imperial Force on 11 October, she embarked on the transport Shropshire nine days later and was one of the first six Victorian nurses to be sent on active service. On arrival in Egypt Sister Finlay was attached to the staff of the 1st Australian General Hospital, then in July 1915 she became matron-in-charge of Ras-el-Tin Convalescent Home at Alexandria.

On 25 March 1916, before embarking for France, she was appointed matron of the 1st A.G.H. which was to be stationed at Rouen. Working under primitive and arduous conditions she established this large military hospital and was its matron for almost two years. In her first winter at Rouen there was a shortage of such basic necessities as water and stoves with which to keep patients and staff warm. In recognition of her services at Rouen she was awarded the Royal Red Cross (1st class) in December 1916. She left France in February 1918 to become matron at the 2nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Southall England, which had been established for the treatment of limbless servicemen. She remained there until January 1919 when she embarked for Australia.

Matron Finlay was demobilized on 26 July and resumed her position at Melbourne Grammar School. The demands of war service had seriously undermined her health and in 1922 she resigned. She died, unmarried, at Warrandyte of cancer on 21 March 1923 and was buried in St Kilda cemetery after a special service in the school chapel.

Sister Finlay had been an early member of the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses' Association, honorary secretary of its council in 1910-22 and vice-president in 1920-22. In these capacities she had shown a keen interest in her profession and in the maintenance of high standards of nursing training and practice.

FINN, Julia

Staff NurseAANS

Born 02 May 1892 at Townsville, Qld.Daughter of Mr. Patrick FINN and Norah nee JOYCEOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 01 September 1917Aged 25 yearsEmbarked 15 September 1917 per 'Argyshire'Served in EgyptReturned to Australia 27 July 1919 per 'Hungaria'Appointment terminated 28 August 1919Married Gerald Bertram WHITEFORDDied 1966 in Qld.Aged 73 yearsBuried 04 May 1966 Lutwyche Cemetery MON RC1-21-26Buried with her husband but no inscription on headstone for Julia

The staff and patients of Rosemount Military Hospital. Brisbane, last week assembled to farewell a very popular member of the staff. Senior Sister Julia Finn, who is severing her connection with the hospital In order shortly to be married. Dr. Melville, Medical Superintendent, in presenting Sister Finn with a silver tea set from the medical and office staffs, spoke euloglstically of her good work and wished her every happiness. Later, the patients assembled in No. 4 Ward to express their appreciation of her many kindnesses. Dr. T. Mattai, in a neat little speech voiced the regret of the 'Digger' at Sister Finn's departure - and asked her acceptance of a silver, salad bowl, silver cake dish and a set of stainless steel carvers as a token of their esteem. A further presentation of a beautiful silver vase was then made by Matron Hart, on behalf of the household staff. Senior Sister Finn is a native of Townsvllle, being the younger daughter of Mr P. Finn. South Townsville. After completing her training at the Townsvllle General Hospital, she saw service in Egypt and Palestine, with the Australian Army Nursing Corps, and since, returning to Australia has been a member of the staffs of Enoggera, Stanthorpe, and Rosemount military hospitals. Her marriage will shortly take place to Mr B. Whiteford, Private Secretary to the Minister for Mines, Brisbane, and late of the 26th Battalion, A.I.F.

Townsville Daily Bulletin Thursday 22 July 1926 page 8

FISHER, Estelle Harriet Briggs

SisterAANS INDIA

Born 06 August 1889 at Tent Hill, Gatton, QldDaughter of Luke FISHER and Mary Ellen nee KINGSTONOf 'Silverleigh', Oakey, Darling Downs, Qld.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 02 November 1918 in Brisbane, Qld.Aged 28 yearsEmbarked 09 November 1918 per 'Wiltshire' Served in India - BombayReturned to Australia 21 January 1920 per 'Janus'Appointment terminated 05 February 1920 in BrisbaneDid not marryDied 1966 in Qld.

FISHER, Helen

NurseBritish Red Cross VAD

Daughter of William FISHER

The three women orderlies for assisting in military nursing that were to be appointedfrom Tasmania have been selected. They are Miss Eileen Bailey and Miss Helen Fisher,from Hobart, who have both been trained in the General Hospital, and Miss Douglas, from Launceston. The names submitted were sent to the Governor from registered societiesand by him sent on to H.E. Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, as the head of the Australianbranch of the British Red Cross Society, and by her the final decision was made. Theorderlies will probably leave Melbourne on September 27

Tasmanian Mail 31 August 1916 page 9 col 1

FISHER, Julia Josphine

SisterANS India

Born 19 February 1892 at Singleton, NSWDaughter of George FISHER and Hannah nee COXOf Wyreema, via Toowoomba, Qld.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 06 November 1917Aged 25 yearsEmbarked 06 November 1919 per 'Canberra'Served in India - BombayDangerously Ill 07 October 1919 with Malaria aat ColwaspReturned to Australia 27 December 1919 per 'Medic'Appointment terminated 29 February 1920Married Richard James JONES in 1925Died 1929 in NSW

FISHER, Mary Ellen

SisterAANS2nd Australian General Hospital

Born 1889 in QueenslandDaughter of Alexander FISHER and Margaret nee HANLONOf Gladstone, Qld.Occupation prior to enlistment NurseAged 25 yearsEnlisted 12 June 1915Embarked 14 July 1915Served in FranceReturned to Australia 05 July 1919 per 'Ypiringa'Appointment Terminated 05 September 1919Died 05 October 1981Queenslanders who fought in the Great War

Awarded Royal Red Cross (2nd Class)Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 23 May 1919Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 889, position 22Date of London Gazette: 1 January 1919Location in London Gazette: Page 33, position 5"Very good work in operating theatre and wards. A splendid manager and adapts herself to any emergency."

FITZGERALD, Grace

Staff SisterAANS14th Australian General Hospital

Born 1881 in Armidale, NSWDaughter of Thomas Bryce FITZGERALD and Margaret nee MADDENOf Barney Street, Amridale, NSWOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 11 December 1916Aged 35 yearsEmbarked 18 December 1916 per 'Kaiser-I-Hind' from Frematle, WAServed in EgyptReturned to Australia 11 March 1918 per 'Ulysses'Appointment terminated 03 April 1918 - discharged at own requestShe went to the USA in the 1920's. A family notice shows her living in San Francisco in 1946 and not married.

FITZGIBBON, Nora Philomena

SisterAANSNo 1 Australian General Hospital

Born (Hanorah) 1889 in Arrowtown, Otago, New ZealandDaughter of Edmond FITZGIBBON and Mary nee LYNCHOf Arrowtown, Otago, New ZealandOccupation prior to enlistment NurseEnlisted 13 April 1915Aged 26 yearsEmbarked 13 April 1915Served in FranceReturned to Australia 02 March 1919 per 'Demosthenes'Appointment terminated 05 May 1919In 1939 she was awarded an MBE. She did not marry and died in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1979.

FITZPATRICK, Stella

Staff NurseAANS

Born 1892 at Mansfield, Vic.Daughter of John FITZPATRICK and Emma nee GILESOf Railway Offices, Spencer Street, Melbourne, Vic.Occupation prior to enlistmentEnlisted 07 May 1917 at No 8 Australian General Hospital, Frematle, WAAged 23 yearsEmbarked 19 May 1917 per 'Benalla'Served in England and FranceReturned to Australia 24 October 1918 per 'City of Karachi'Appointment terminated 15 November 1918Married Hubert Charles ROBERTSON who was a publican at Finch Hatton, Queensland and later Postmaster at Cracow,
Queensland. There is a mention on Trove that Hubert was leaving Cracow to go to
USA so it is likely that Stella went with him.

FITZSIMONS, Margaret Lucy

Born 1872 at Ballarat East, Vic.Daughter of Henry FITZSIMONS and Margaret Ann nee CROKERNext of kin (Uncle) J CROKEROf Golden Point, Blackwood, Vic.Educated at Kyneton Convent of MercyTrained at Women's Hospital Melbourne and Kyenton District Hospital 1889 -1892Matron of Ayr Hospital in North Queensland for 12 months - principal nursing in Enteric & Tropical DiseasesServed 01 July 1916 to 19 November 1917 in England, France and ItalyStaff Nurse at Military Hospital TarantoMedically unfit and Discharged 18 November 1917 with Anaemia, Degility and HeartDied 13 June 1952 at Blackwood, Vic.Resided Blackwood, Vic.

Reference from Ida Greaves at Wimereux, Boulogne, France dated 05 June 1916'Miss Margaret Fitzsimons has been a staff nurse at the Australian Voluntary Hospital for four months.She is a thoroughly competent nurse and most attentive and good to her patients. As the Hospital is Closing her services can no longer be retained. I have much pleasure in recommending her'Ida GreavesMatron AVH

FITZSIMONS – On June 13, at Blackwood, Margaret Lucy, eldest daughter of the late Henry and Margaret, loving sister of Rose (Mrs R Reardon), John, William, and Julie – R.I.P.

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